Articles & Blogs

Intruder alarms are graded according to their level of security and reliability. The grading system is most commonly used in the UK and Europe and is outlined in the European Standard EN 50131. There are four main grades to help users and installers select an appropriate level of security for a given application.

It’s almost 30 years since Axis Communication invented the world’s first network video surveillance camera. To many in the security solutions industry, this signaled the beginning of the end for analogue CCTV systems. There was a seemingly better way – superior image quality and coverage, coupled with reduced cabling and wireless capability, saw the industry embracing IP digital video surveillance solutions and hanging up on their analogue devices. But analogue refused to die. So, answering the question ‘Which security system is a better option?’ doesn’t always have a straightforward answer. Let’s discuss further...

The initial financial outlay of home security systems can sometimes be enough to cast a little doubt in the mind as to whether they really are worth it. Yes, the technology can be expensive and installing it can be a bit of a nuisance, but is it all worth it for the peace of mind? Can you really put a price on the safety of your home, your contents and your family? We have taken a look at some of the facts, products and systems that will answer that question, "are home alarms systems a real deterrent to burglars?".

Picture this, you’re in your local supermarket, you’ve just spotted yourself on a little monitor, you're thinking "what on earth is that?" Well, it’s a public viewing monitor, or PVM for short. PVMs are used in a variety of applications but are most commonly used in supermarkets to monitor self-service areas and sometimes even above shop aisles.

Why are we seeing more and more products or solutions claiming to benefit from Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Video Analytics (VA), not only within the security industry but across all walks of life? And what does this really mean for the physical Security Solutions industry? In this article, we’ll explore what impact the revolutionary development of AI has on business and what the benefits are for security installers, integrators, and their customers.

Picking up on a much discussed topic of late, there is no doubt that 2020’s Coronavirus Pandemic has fast forwarded our interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Video Analytics (VA), not only within the security industry but across all walks of life. There’s a lot of confusing, complicated information out there on the topic of AI, so to sum up why it’s leapt into view now is to say this: it is about optimising resources and all the benefits for businesses this encompasses.

Wireless security solutions are a growing trend and can solve problems that could otherwise make an installation prohibitively expensive. Gone are the days of needing to run cables here there and everywhere to install your customer’s CCTV, Intruder or Access Control system.

We had the great pleasure this month of catching up with our very own Buzz Coates, Norbain’s IP Project Manager, to understand the man inside our Pocket-size Buzz video animation series. Oh, and we managed a discussion about the speed of technological change too!

You might think after 26 years in the security industry working for the same business, that Drew Aitken, European distribution sales leader for Honeywell, might be a little set in his ways, even old school perhaps. Be under no illusion, this is a man in tune with how to drive his team forward, what the priorities are and how to leverage Honeywell’s respected position in the security industry. Last month, we had an insightful catch-up with Drew about the evolution of intrusion technology, a key growth area in physical security solutions. Read on to find out more.

Roy Cooper is a well-known, much loved figure in the Security Industry. As Managing Director of Professional Security Magazine, he’ll celebrate his 50th year in the sector in 2022 and has no intention of retiring. It made a change for him to sit in the interviewee seat, but because Roy is still buzzing with energy and commitment, bringing his charismatic personality to every encounter, it wasn’t hard to get him talking about what makes him tick.

In the complexity of today’s technology, it can be tricky to identify what the optimum security camera solution is for your customer. The pace of development has continued unabated over the last 18 months and there are numerous types of cameras, sensors, and brands to choose from. Of course, most security installers have their favourite brands as well as tried and tested technologies they like to work with.

Paddy and I discussed Texecom’s focus for 2021 and beyond, along with the importance of developing and encompassing a Digital Strategy in today’s security sector to survive medium to long term.